• Tourism gains serious added value for the economy when it develops through the implementation of green policies

"We are obliged to show the natural treasures of Bulgaria in all their glory, and the introduction of the euro will enable better development of policies in ecology and tourism. Tourism gains serious added value for the economy when it develops through the implementation of green policies set by the new European directives and regulations". This was said by the Deputy Minister of Environment and Water Atanas Kostadinov at the opening of a panel discussion on the topic "The Euro, the Environment, and Sustainable Tourism: New Horizons in a Common Currency", which was held today at the Ministry of Environment and Water.

The forum was organized at the initiative of the Ministers of Environment and Water Manol Genov and Tourism Miroslav Borshosh with the expert support of the Ministry of Finance and was held with the participation of representatives of the National Tourism Board and mayors of municipalities that pursue an active policy for the development of sustainable tourism. The discussion discussed the effects of the introduction of the euro on the development of sustainable tourism and at the same time the protection of natural resources.

"I am a fervent supporter of the economic model for state development based on competitive advantages. Each country makes efforts to set its priorities so that it has no analogue in a competitive environment with others. This is done through legislative and administrative approaches, through the efforts of society and experts, as well as with a sustainable approach," said the Deputy Minister. According to him, Bulgaria has the opportunity to establish itself as a EU member with a sustainable approach. Our country has made visible progress in terms of bathing places - out of 103 beaches included in the UN Sustainable Development Goals report, 15 years ago 45% were in good and excellent condition, and today 95% meet these criteria. Over the past 10 years, there has also been a visible trend for more and more Bulgarian municipalities and areas to have good air quality.

The planned investments under the Environment Programme in the current programming period for measures in the urban environment are over 110 million leva, for biodiversity protection – over 300 million leva, for water quality and protection the investments exceed 1 billion leva. “If the right decisions are made, this will also bring added value to Bulgarian tourism. Thus, through the introduction of the euro, we will show how much can be achieved by combining environmental and climate policies with a good financial platform,” emphasized Deputy Minister Kostadinov.

Minister Manol Genov addressed the participants in the discussion with a message: “The introduction of the euro is not just an economic reform, but a strategic chance to unite financial stability with care for nature. Our mountains, beaches and mineral springs are a wealth that has no equivalent and must be developed in a way that guarantees its preservation for future generations. By integrating environmental policies within the framework of the single currency, we will create new opportunities for sustainable tourism, which benefits both the economy and people.”

During the discussion, Deputy Minister of Tourism Irena Georgieva recalled that with Bulgaria’s accession to Schengen, the door for tourism development was opened wide. For the period January-May 2025, nearly 2 million tourists with over 6 million overnight stays were recorded. "Bulgaria's accession to the Eurozone is another opportunity to build a new identity for the country in a European and global context. Effective tourism management requires coordinated efforts for balanced development, a budgetary framework and better connectivity between countries," commented Deputy Minister Georgieva. She pointed out that in the long term, the effect of adopting the Euro will be expressed in better integration into European networks, stimulating entrepreneurs, expanding the market for crafts and organic food, and increased competitiveness of tour operators.

Deputy Minister of Finance Metodi Metodiev highlighted the key economic and environmental benefits of Bulgaria's upcoming accession to the Eurozone. He stated that tourism and the transport sector will be among the most directly benefiting by adopting the Euro. Among the main benefits, Deputy Minister Metodiev noted the easier comparability of prices and the elimination of the need for currency exchange, which will make it easier for tourists and make us a more attractive destination.

“Integration into the Eurozone will strengthen Bulgaria’s position as a reliable and modern tourist destination,” added Metodi Metodiev. He pointed out that the expected growth in tourists will require more serious investments in the sector, especially in terms of sustainability. According to him, investments in environmental protection will be key, since the country’s natural resources, which are a major asset of the tourism sector, are vulnerable and require responsible and sustainable management. Deputy Minister Metodiev added that the introduction of the euro will encourage more visits from solvent tourists from the Eurozone, which will require an increase in the quality of services and will create conditions for new investments in tourism infrastructure.

In conclusion, he expressed conviction that our country’s membership in the Eurozone in itself is not a guarantee of economic success. "In order to realize the full benefits, each sector must work towards increasing the competitiveness and quality of the services offered. The euro is a tool that we can use as a state, administration and business to accelerate sustainable economic growth and improve the well-being of Bulgarian citizens," emphasized Deputy Minister Metodiev.

The growth of tourism will require more investments in road infrastructure, waste water treatment plants and improvement of the water supply network, for training personnel in the field of tourism in order to improve the quality of the service, as well as for the protection and promotion of the natural and cultural resources in the regions - this opinion was shared during the discussion by the mayors of Kyustendil Ognyan Atanasov and Tsarevo Marin Kirov.